Uber wins appeal to continue operating in London for 15 months

Ride-hailing app firm Uber will continue to operate in the capital after winning an appeal against Transport for London’s decision not to renew its licence.

After a two-day hearing, chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot concluded that the taxi app firm is "fit and proper" to hold an operating licence in the capital.

The firm had its licence granted for a period of 15 months.

Uber was told by TfL last September that its licence would not be renewed due to concerns over public safety and security.

Ms Arbuthnot made the decision after Uber claimed it had made “substantial changes” to how it conducts its business.

The firm has had its licence renewed for 15 months 
REUTERS

Earlier in the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the firm admitted the original decision not to renew its licence was correct.

It conceded a string of failings but said the licence should be renewed as it has made "wholesale" reforms.

Ms Arbuthnot said in her judgement that she had considered the evidence and submissions in the case, and that "taking into account the new governance arrangements Uber is now fit and proper".

Uber have been granted permission to operate for a further 15 months 
PA

The 15-month licence given to Uber is described as "probationary".

The taxi company has also agreed to pay all of TfL's costs for the appeal process. This comes to a total of £425,000.

Prior to announcing her decision, Ms Arbuthnot said for TfL customer safety is a clear priority while Uber, in growing its business, has in recent years adopted a "gung ho attitude" while the aims of previous managers were to "grow the business come what may".

She added, however, that the list of issues concerning Uber has narrowed between when the licence was revoked and the time of the court date, and in court TfL has taken a neutral stance.

The company admitted the original decision not to renew its licence was correct but claimed it has since made “substantial changes” in how it conducts its business.

Tom Elvidge, head of Uber in the UK, said: "We are pleased with today's decision. We will continue to work with TfL to address their concerns and earn their trust, while providing the best possible service for our customers."

Uber London had previously sought a full five-year licence when it was initially stripped of its licence, before changing that to 18 months and finally 15 months when the appeal was heard in court.

Following the verdict Mayor of London Sadiq Khan released a lengthy statement in support of the decision.

It reads: "After years of operating poorly in London, Uber has now accepted that TfL's action in refusing to renew their licence was totally justified. Today our stance has been vindicated by the court.

"Uber has been put on probation - their 15 month licence has a clear set of conditions that TfL with throughly monitor and enforce."

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